Lisa Plunkett of Waterford is still thinking about Saturday’s midday attempted carjacking at Great Lakes Crossing at Auburn Hills.

“I was horrified, it was so close to home,” she said. “My daughter works at a mall and it reminded me that you should never let yourself be put into a vehicle. You should drop and roll.

Auburn Hills police said the event was a rare one at the mall, which has thousands of visitors a week.

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“These guys rode down on a bus with the intent of carjacking a vehicle,” said Lt. Ryan Gagnon.

“Who knows what else they were planning.”

Two men from Mount Morris Township have been charged and are being held on $1 million bonds for the attempted carjacking and abduction of a Lake Orion woman at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets.

Edellis Alexander and Isaiah Herron, both 20, were arraigned Sunday in front of Magistrate Judith Holtz, who announced the five charges — armed robbery, carjacking, attempted unlawful imprisonment, receiving and concealing a firearm, and felon in possession of a firearm.

The incident occurred about 1 p.m. Saturday at Great Lakes Crossing in Auburn Hills. Witnesses said they heard screaming coming from the parking lot and, eventually, saw a 47-year-old woman on the ground outside her car with the two men standing over her.

Auburn Hills police say Alexander and Herron put a gun to the Lake Orion woman’s back and tried to force her into her car as she was walking from the mall.

She told investigators she dropped to the ground and began screaming, and the men grabbed her keys and purse.

An 18-year-old Clinton Township woman heard the woman’s screams and walked toward the men, telling them she was on the phone with police. That allowed the victim to escape, officials reported.

The men allegedly ran away with the victim’s keys and cellphone. They were arrested a short time later by Auburn Hills authorities — one of the men had a handgun with him during his arrest, police said.

The Lake Orion woman suffered minor injuries. Her property was recovered and returned.

Both men are lodged at the Oakland County Jail, pending their next court date set for 8:30 a.m. Thursday before Judge Lisa Asadoorian in the 52-3 District Court.

Both the victim and the Good Samaritan refused interviews, according to police. However, the 18-year-old — who prefers to remain anonymous — conveyed this message, authorities say: “If you see somebody in trouble, don’t just walk by. Call 911 right away and keep yourself out of harm’s way, too.”

Tips when walking in lots

When entering or exiting a car, look around, say police.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s the middle of the day, be aware of your surroundings before parking your car or leaving a building,” said Lt. Ryan Gagnon with Auburn Hills police.

“If you have a gut feeling there could be a problem, follow your instinct and walk with somebody else or don’t park the car right away.”

Keep your cellphone close, too, he said.

“If attacked, scream as loud as you can for help,” he said.

The Great Lakes Crossing victim did this and “this drew attention to her,” said Gagnon.

Auburn Hills police said the woman refused to get into the car.

“We commended her for her courage,” Gagnonsaid.

When it comes to purses, cars or any property, give that up and do whatever you can to get away, police said.

A small percentage of people are out there preying on others, Gagnon said.

“It’s best to be vigilant.”

Other tips to avoid carjacking, from realitysurvival.com:

* Park in well-lighted, highly populated areas.

* If you are approaching your car and a large van is parked on the drivers’ side of your car, get in on the passenger side or just go back in the store and wait until it leaves.

* Have your keys out, preferably in your weak hand, before you approach your vehicle. Keep your strong hand free to make a quick and hard first strike if necessary.

* If approached from behind consider a hard elbow to the nose. If approached face to face consider a punch in the throat or a swift kick and downward scrape of the shins.

* Always walk with a purpose with your head up, scan the area. Don’t be afraid to make solid eye contact. Get a clear look at the people around you.

* Drive with the windows up and doors locked. Be suspicious. Pay attention to anyone loitering at intersections, construction zones, broken down cars, detours, vehicle accidents, etc. Be especially leery at night in secluded or unpopulated areas. Remember, trust your gut and be suspicious.